Al-Fayed probe data breach prompts Met Police apology

London's Metropolitan Police apologised after email addresses of complainants in the Mohamed Al-Fayed abuse investigation were accidentally visible to other people on a communications list.

The force said the breach happened on Tuesday when it sent a monthly update to victims and failed to hide recipients' addresses. BBC News reported that around 140 women were affected, and UK media reported that the UK's data watchdog had been notified.

The Metropolitan Police said the issue was identified quickly, affected people were contacted on the day of the incident, and the matter was being investigated as a priority. It said it was reviewing its processes to help prevent a similar breach.

Police have received reports from 157 victims alleging sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking in relation to Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94. Multiple complaints were made before his death, but none led to prosecution.

Harrods opened a redress scheme last year after more former employees came forward following a 2024 BBC documentary. Some 259 victims have applied for compensation under that scheme. The Metropolitan Police has questioned six people suspected of enabling Fayed's offences, but has not made any arrests.